The article encompasses new data on geochemistry of dunites forming the Svetloborsky and Nizhnetagilsky ultramafic massifs of the Ural Platinum Belt. Petrogenesis of both massifs is discussed based on their interpretation. The research establishes that both massifs are petro-chemical equivalents of alpinotype complexes and zonal massifs, but at the same time they have their own particularities. Thus, dunites of the Svetloborsky massif are enriched in almost all rare elements compared to the Nizhnetagilsky massif that may be caused by their redistribution during subsequent processes due to intrusion of mafic dykes.
The results of the chemical composition of platinum minerals from ore body and placers of Nizhni Tagil massif of Ural Platinum Belt are summarized in the given article. Peculiar properties of the chemical composition of the platinum group minerals from ore body and placers are established and described. X-ray analysis data of the most common mineral species was ob-tained and the internal structure of granular aggregates and mono crystals was studied with due regard to the various irregularities.
Chromitites of Nizhni Tagil massif veins in length from a few centimeters to several meters. The contents of rare earth elements in the platinum-veined chromitites characterized by reduced compared with the enclosing dunite values. In quantitative terms, is dominated by light rare earth elements. The positive correlation between the rare-earth elements and platinum group metals in the samples with normal contents. High and extremely high content of PGE in the chromite-platinum ores Nizhni Tagil massif are not accompanied by a significant increase in the concentrations of REE.
Platinum mineralization in Svetly Bor massif is represented by two promising mineral assemblages: chromite-platinum and platinum-type dunite. Body platinum of chromites lie within the fields of small-and medium-grained dunite central part of the array. Spinel epigenetic vein platinum chromites of Svetly Bor clinopyroxenite-dunite massif have some geochemical features such as high iron content, low chromium and titanium. Changing the chemical composition of the constituent minerals chromites is the result of processes of serpentinization of dunites host and is accompanied by the emergence of new mineral phases. Noble metal mineralization is represented by fine of up to 50 microns, mostly idiomorphic grains isoferroplatinum, tetraferroplatinum, osmiridium.
Contents of platinum group elements (PGE), gold and silver in oxide-silicate nickel ores of the Buruktal, Ufalei and Elov supergene nickel deposits are determined in relation to their ophiolitic dunite-harzburgite bedrock.
Weathering processes and infiltration metasomatic processes in the weathering crusts hyperbasite arrays have a positive effect on the accumulation of rare earth elements. The content of rare earth elements is steadily increasing bottom-up on the profile of weathering. Metasomatic upper profile characterized by a high content of rare earth elements, which leads to the appearance of rare earth elements phosphate mineral phase – xenotime found in this laterite for the first time. The composition of the rare earth elements in incorporating their metasomatic and minerals demonstrates chondritic distribution.
The main geochemical barrier in supergene Buruktal nickel deposit is oxygen oxidized barrier in upper ferrous-oxide zone of the deposit. It makes sharp decrease of chemical element migration. Nevertheless, ore mineral concentrations present oft in complex geochemical barriers: absorbed-oxidized, carbonate-reducing and others. Every type of the geochemical barriers is able to concentrate specific association of migrated elements. That reflected on the different values of coefficients of enrichment in different types of Buruktal metasomatites. Oxidized barrier is more effective for elements with different valence (Fe, Mn), and absorbed clay, ferrous-oxide und manganese-oxide barriers are more effective for the main part of microelements.
